The New Guy: 2013 Dodge Dart Teased After Weeks of Speculation

Meet the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. The car, widely rumored to be called "Hornet" until Dodge put the kibosh on that last week, comes as a replacement for the unloved Dodge Caliber. The Dart is no stranger to Dodge, as the nameplate occupied a spot in the company's lineup from 1960-1976. The 2013 Dodge Dart attempts to pay homage to its older sibling by combining updated style and technology.The all-new Dart is a combination of firsts for Dodge, and one of the biggest is that it's the first new Dodge based on a Fiat-sourced vehicle. It shares its underpinnings with the Europe-only Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a car known for its handling, agility, and safety. However, the Dart is a little longer and wider than the Giulietta. The Dart's body is composed of 68 percent high-strength steel to keep weight down, which Dodge hopes will not just improve fuel economy, but enhance the Dart's fun-to-drive nature.Exterior styling cues for the Dart are similar to those found on vehicles across Dodge's lineup, most obviously with the Avenger and Charger. The tailored split-crosshair grille, fender flares, projector headlights, and fog lights are present, along with Dodge's new signature full-width LED 'racetrack' taillights and dual exhaust, both of which it shares with the Charger. The Dart's exterior design also focuses on aerodynamics in an effort to keep up with ever more stringent government standards.The 2013 Dodge Dart sums up motivation from your choice of three four-cylinder engines. The first is the new 2.0-liter Tigershark engine, the others are a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, and a 2.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. All three engines can be paired with three different gearboxes to deliver what Dodge claims is the "most diverse powertrain lineup in its class."The all-new Dart will be assembled here in America at Chrysler's Belvidere facility in Belvidere, Illinois. This facility was on the receiving end of a $600 million investment to help out with future products such as the Dart. Money from the investment went to a 638,000 square-foot body shop, new machinery, and tooling and material handling equipment. Construction on the Belvidere facility began in the summer of last year and is on schedule to be completed this year.Do you think the Dart will be a viable contender against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.Source: Dodge

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